Russ ON: Toxic Masculinity, Music & Mental Health: “My Songs Were Cries For Help” | Summary and Q&A

Transcript

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Summary

In this video, rapper Russ discusses his journey with fame, success, and mental health. He talks about the emptiness he felt even after achieving everything he thought he wanted and how he realized that external validation was not the key to happiness. Russ shares his experiences with therapy, self-validation, and the importance of introspection. He also discusses the challenges men face in society when it comes to expressing emotions and seeking help.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did Russ come to the realization that external validation was not the key to happiness?

Russ realized that even after achieving fame, money, and success, he still felt empty inside. He had everything he thought he wanted, but it didn't bring him the happiness and fulfillment he expected. This made him question the purpose of chasing external validation and made him realize that there was a bigger hole inside that he needed to address.

Q: How did Russ's upbringing contribute to his mindset of seeking external validation?

Russ explains that his father had high standards of perfection and was critical, which led him to adopt those standards as his own. He constantly sought his father's approval and validation, and this translated into seeking validation from the music industry and others. He believed that achieving certain milestones and external accomplishments would make him feel approved and validated.

Q: What led Russ to question his beliefs and seek therapy?

Russ had a breakdown one day when the psychological warfare and internal chaos he was experiencing became too much to handle. He realized that burying his emotions and seeking external validation was not sustainable. He finally recognized the need to talk to someone about what he was going through and seek help. Therapy provided an opportunity for him to be vulnerable, honest, and introspective, which was crucial for his personal growth and healing.

Q: How did therapy help Russ in his journey of self-discovery and healing?

Therapy allowed Russ to examine his thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in a safe and supportive environment. He could explore the root causes of his insecurities, seek understanding, and work on developing healthier coping mechanisms. By being vulnerable and honest with his therapist, Russ was able to gain a deeper understanding of himself and his patterns of seeking external validation. Therapy gave him the tools to challenge and change his negative thought patterns and develop a healthier relationship with himself.

Q: What challenges do men face in society when it comes to expressing emotions and seeking help?

Russ believes that men struggle with being in tune with their own emotions and allowing themselves to feel without judgment. Society often conditions men to be tough, stoic, and independent, discouraging them from showing vulnerability or seeking help. This pressure can lead to men suppressing their emotions and feeling isolated, as if they need to handle everything on their own. Russ emphasizes the importance of men communicating, collaborating, and realizing that seeking help is not a sign of weakness but of strength and courage.

Q: How does Russ intertwine mental health and music in a way that doesn't come across as cheesy or corny?

Russ has always sought meaningful substance and lyrics in music, as a consumer and as an artist. He believes that music can be a tool for exploration, self-reflection, and healing. Russ approaches mental health and vulnerability in his music by sharing his personal journey and experiences authentically. He believes that being genuine and transparent about his struggles and emotions resonates with his audience and allows them to connect with his music on a deeper level.

Q: How does Russ validate himself and find meaning beyond external accomplishments?

Russ has identified the importance of having good values and honoring the gift of life. He celebrates himself by engaging in activities that honor his physical and mental health, such as going to the gym and making music with a sense of gratitude and joy. Russ emphasizes that self-validation ultimately comes from within and that he is working on cultivating a healthy internal dialogue and mindset.

Q: How does Russ maintain distance and avoid getting consumed by external noise and distractions?

Russ acknowledges the challenge of staying focused on his own internal dialogue and thoughts amidst the noise of the music industry and social media. He credits his supportive and authentic fan base for creating an environment that allows him to be himself. He also values spending time alone and in meditation to monitor and shape his internal dialogue. By consciously choosing which thoughts to entertain and practicing self-awareness, Russ can maintain distance from external distractions.

Q: How did Russ's upbringing and relationship with his parents influence his journey of seeking validation and self-approval?

Russ grew up seeking approval from his father, who had high standards of perfection and was critical. This led Russ to adopt these standards and seek external validation to feel approved and good enough. He also replaced his father's approval with the validation he sought from the music industry. Russ recognized that genuine self-approval and validation can only come from within and has been working on shifting his mindset and celebrating himself without depending on external accomplishments.

Q: How did Russ's experience with his father and external validation shape his perception of success and approval?

Russ's experience with his father and seeking external validation led him to believe that success and approval from others were necessary to feel good about himself and belong. He equated achieving external accomplishments with self-worth, which ultimately left him feeling empty and unsatisfied. Russ realized that his pursuit of validation needed to be redirected towards self-approval and self-validation in order to find true fulfillment.

Takeaways

Russ's journey highlights the importance of introspection, self-validation, and seeking help when needed. He cautions against relying solely on external accomplishments for happiness and approval, as they often leave a deeper void. Russ emphasizes the need for men to be in tune with their emotions, challenge societal stereotypes, and seek help without feeling shame or weakness. He encourages individuals to develop healthy internal dialogues, celebrate their gifts, and find meaning beyond external validation. Ultimately, true fulfillment comes from within and honoring oneself.